98 Points
96+ Points
96 Points
94 Points

Giant Steps Applejack Chardonnay 2022

SKU: GSAC202210 UCNZ

~~$94.99~~ $86.99

Unit price: per

Praised by critics, including James Halliday's Wine Companion's glowing review for its bright green-gold hue and stunning complexity, and Campbell Mattinson’s pick for its balance and elegant finish.

Features aromas of melon skin, grapefruit pith, and wet stone, with a palate rich in white stone fruit, citrus, and nutty oak. A long, layered finish that reveals its character over time.

Only 2 hectares of Chardonnay from the Applejack vineyard, planted in 1997, are meticulously crafted into this wine. Whole-bunch pressed and aged in French oak puncheons, with 15% new wood, ensuring exceptional quality.

Critic Scores

98 // James Halliday's Wine Companion

"Only 2ha of the Applejack vineyard’s 11ha is planted to chardonnay. The vineyard, planted at Gladysdale by Ray Guerin in 1997, is named for the Applejack eucalypts that surround it. Whole-bunch pressed straight to barrel with full solids, matured in 15% new puncheons. This is a magnificent wine and the best Giant Steps chardonnay I’ve tasted. Bright green gold. A stunning bouquet of orchard and stone fruits, grilled nuts, white jasmine and marine scents. Just as complex on the intense yet perfectly balanced palate before finishing spicy, chalky and very long. Worth putting some away and worth every cent and more of the asking price!"

96+ // Campbell Mattinson

"Well this is apple-like, it’s not just the power of suggestion, it’s like biting into something cold and crunchy, lemonade and frozen meal, backed by nectarines, backed by nuts and stones. This dials back the intensity slightly, lifts the elegance, splays the flavours into a complex carpet, and then stretches its legs fully through the finish. It’s a stunning wine, and my pick of this year’s releases (by a whisker). Drink: 2025 – 2030+"

96 // The Real Review

"Lifted aromas of melon skin, grapefruit pith, wet stone, nougat, struck flint and just-ripe nectarine. Really complex. Fine and focused flavours of white stone fruit, citrus, minerals and nutty oak. Long and layered, it unfolds on the palate and acidity is pin-point. Very smart gear."

94 // Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The first vintage of this wine was 2014, and I note that The Wine Advocate has only reviewed a few since then. The vineyard was planted by visionary viticulturist Ray Guerrans. The vineyard is 13 hectares planted in Galdysdale, tucked into the temperate rainforest up on the eastern-facing slope (morning sun, cold in the afternoon). This is a great Pinot site and is 10 hectares of Pinot Noir. The Chardonnay clone in the ground here is the I10V1 clone. This 2022 Applejack Vineyard Chardonnay is precise and pure, with layers of bitter almond, green apple skins, star anise and almond meal. There is more lees stirring and viscosity here—the texture is certainly more pronounced than in either the Tarraford or the Sexton tasted prior. There is preserved citrus and plenty of fleshy tension through the finish. This is a pert wine, a tense wine, a terse wine. It has a lot going on. 12.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap."

Product Details

White

2022

Chardonnay

Giant Steps

Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia

5-10 Years

Stelvin

12.5%

750ml (Bottle)

Available for Purchase

Estimated dispatch from Warehouse: Monday, September 30, 2024

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Description

Discover the epitome of Chardonnay excellence with the 2022 Applejack Vineyard Chardonnay, an extraordinary wine from a rare 2-hectare parcel of this prestigious vineyard. Established by Ray Guerin in 1997 and situated in the serene Gladysdale region, this Chardonnay is a true gem. Whole-bunch pressed and aged in a mix of new and older French oak puncheons, it showcases an exquisite balance of rich, complex flavors. The wine dazzles with a bright green-gold hue and an enchanting bouquet of orchard fruits, grilled nuts, white jasmine, and marine notes. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious blend of white stone fruit, citrus, and nuanced nutty oak, finishing with a remarkable length and a spicy, chalky touch. With rave reviews, this Chardonnay is not only a standout of its vintage but also a wise investment for your cellar, offering both immediate pleasure and the potential for further aging.
Tasting Profile

Light

Full

Low Tannin

Tannic

Sweet

Dry

Low Acidity

High Acidity

Aroma:

Apple, Lemon, Nectarine

Palate:

Apple, Cream, Peach

Food Pairings:

Cheese

Fish

Poultry

Tasting Notes

Description

Discover the epitome of Chardonnay excellence with the 2022 Applejack Vineyard Chardonnay, an extraordinary wine from a rare 2-hectare parcel of this prestigious vineyard. Established by Ray Guerin in 1997 and situated in the serene Gladysdale region, this Chardonnay is a true gem. Whole-bunch pressed and aged in a mix of new and older French oak puncheons, it showcases an exquisite balance of rich, complex flavors. The wine dazzles with a bright green-gold hue and an enchanting bouquet of orchard fruits, grilled nuts, white jasmine, and marine notes. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious blend of white stone fruit, citrus, and nuanced nutty oak, finishing with a remarkable length and a spicy, chalky touch. With rave reviews, this Chardonnay is not only a standout of its vintage but also a wise investment for your cellar, offering both immediate pleasure and the potential for further aging.

Tasting Profile

Light
Full

Low Tannin
Tannic

Sweet
Dry

Low Acidity
High Acidity

Aroma:

Apple, Lemon, Nectarine

Palate:

Apple, Cream, Peach

Food Pairings:

Cheese

Fish

Poultry

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